Is This Really The End for Gas Stoves?

In the past few months, we have seen numerous news stories regarding the potential ban of gas stoves used for cooking. So why is an HVAC company talking about gas stoves? More on that question later! First, we wanted to try and cut through the hype, confusion and misinformation to provide a summary of the facts and only the facts:

Fact #1:

There are close to 40 million gas stoves in the kitchens of American families and no, “the government” is not coming for your gas stove. However, dozens of cities — and some states — are already transitioning away from natural gas as part of efforts to reduce emissions, especially in new construction homes. This will make it much less worthwhile to purchase a gas stove, despite what lawmakers are talking about.

Fact #2:

Gas stoves have been the target of debate due to some recent studies that have suggested that emissions from gas stoves may be dangerous to your health. Namely, worsening respiratory illness and asthma.

Fact #3:

The air found in our homes (and businesses) is much less than excellent. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) references studies that indicate indoor levels of pollutants can be two to five times — and on occasion more than 100 times — higher than outdoor levels.

Even though gas stoves may help lead to poor indoor air quality, they are definitely not the only factor. Others may be:

• Occupants Within the Home: People and pets at home produce carbon dioxide (CO2), odors, vape smoke and pet dander (a common allergen).
• Other Combustion Appliances: Other gas (or wood/oil burning) appliances such as space heaters, fireplaces, furnaces and water heaters.
• Construction Materials and Furnishings: Paints, carpeting, fiberglass, particle board and fabrics may emit unhealthy substances known as volatile organic compounds (VOCs), another common indoor allergen, through what’s known as “outgassing.”
• Cleaning Compounds: Many popular cleaning products may produce VOCs or other chemicals.
• Nearby Soil: Radon gas and stormwater runoff may enter the home via the basement or crawl space from the soil surrounding the home.
• Well-Insulated Homes: Naturally there are energy savings benefits, but homes that are well insulated are “sealed up” and as a result won’t have as much infiltration from natural, outdoor air.

Fact #4:

There are formal standards for residential ventilation and satisfactory indoor air quality (IAQ) levels. These guidelines are more commonly known as the ASHRAE 60.2 standard. Local building codes have largely adopted these standards to establish minimum ventilation requirements and other measures in order to reduce any negative effects on your health, resolving both health and safety problems for you and your family.

That being said, the ultimate performance of your ventilation is not directly measured or audited. Even if it was, it’s highly reliant on the weather outdoors, the size of the home and other factors. The precise ventilation performance in your average American home is not easily determined.

Fact #5:

It’s still entirely your choice. You don’t have to rip out your gas stove and replace it with electric, and you also don’t have to pick between your gas stove and the prospect for poorer indoor air quality. Proper and consistent ventilation is the real secret to this debate.

First, whenever you prepare a meal with a gas stove, you ought to use the fan on your range hood so the combustion byproducts like smoke and CO gas are properly discharged out of your home. But honestly: how often do any of us use the fan on the range hood?

Which leads to our next point. There are more suitable whole-home ventilation strategies that will significantly improve your indoor air quality and home comfort while still allowing you to be the "Bobby Flay" chef in your home. Read on to find out more about the possible solutions for your home.

So, why is a HVAC company thinking about gas stoves? Well, the “V” in HVAC stands for “Ventilation” and “There’s an Expert for That”! To learn more about gas stoves and which option might be best for your home, contact Service Experts at 631-406-9220.